It certainly feels like fall is coming a lot faster than it should! I know we still have more than a month to go, but the Great American Road Show coming up this August is really the first of the fall trade shows.

It will be my first GARS Marketplace so I hope to see some of you there. Michael Embrey, who recently took the reigns for the show, is doing a tremendous job and he's really excited to get going with this year's marketplace. There are two components to the show: one for niche and affinity buyers, and one for tour operators.

If you haven't gotten information about the show or are thinking about attending, check out our write-up on the show at the bottom of the newsletter. If you're already set to go, let me know!

Until August!

First Training Podcast Launched for Travel and Hospitality Professionals

Travelers Urged to Add Responsible Travel to their Vacation

Watch Those Speed Bumps! Avoiding Six Common Sales Mistakes.

Macy's on State Street invites visitors from around the globe to the unveiling of this year's theme for one of Chicago's most famous annual holiday celebrations, beginning November 12.

State Street's annual Holiday event is home to crowds in and around the store that gathers each year to see the magic of the season unfold within the themed window displays. Sure to surprise and delight, these elaborate displays are home to detailed art creations and animation which throughout the years have brought to life the classic tales of the Brothers Grimm, Dr. Seuss and many others.

This year's celebration will be no different, as Macy's on State Street partners with Chicago's very own Joffrey Ballet to present The Nutcracker. In the first-ever collaboration of this kind, the artists behind the annual holiday spectacle will work with the Joffrey Ballet's renowned set and costume designers to depict the beloved tale within the windows that line the front of the store on State Street from Randolph to Washington streets.

Arkansas certainly lives up to its Natural State nickname. From its clear, cool waters to its scenic mountains and valleys, nature reigns as the primary attraction here - whether it's hiking, boating, birding or camping.

Of course, its other assets don't hurt tourism, either. Mountain music, anyone? How about handmade pioneer arts and crafts? Southern cuisine, antique shopping, theatre, historical sites and museums - it's all here in Arkansas.

Cruise Lines' past passenger loyalty programs have come into their own. No longer just an invitation to a private captain's cocktail party or a discount on a future cruise, loyalty programs aim to create "passengers for life."

The goal of any loyalty program, regardless of whether it involves travel or not, is to create "promoters" - from its earliest days to today, the cruise industry has done just that.

Visit our Electronic Reader Service Center and obtain product information on dozens of group-friendly travel suppliers in just a few clicks. It's a great way to obtain new info without the hassles of multiple phone calls, emails and form completion.

Simply select those suppliers or destinations that have piqued your curiosity, complete the brief contact form and click Submit.

By doing so you will automatically be entered into our drawing for complimentary airline tickets to any scheduled destination Southwest Airlines serves!

When Central Florida comes to mind, what pops up first? A set of round, black mouse ears, that's what. A close second to that, of course, is of hyperactive 5- to 8-year-olds trying to get a picture with Goofy.

But to think that's all there is would be a mistake - there is actually a plethora of activities available to groups who want to leave the grandbabies at home and just have a relaxing and invigorating vacation in Central Florida. Let's take a look at what's been popping up in Mouseville's backyard.

Even when he's talking to a room full of tractor distributors, Mike Marchev is always thinking about his good ol' buddies in tourism.

Read on to find out how price differential matters in every industry, and how you can use it to your advantage when selling your tours.

This week, InSite E-Zine interviews Peter J. Pantuso.

Peter Pantuso is is president and chief executive officer of the American Bus Association, North America's largest motorcoach, tour and travel association, representing more than 65 percent of all private buses on the highways, as well as private travel related businesses, state and local government travel and tourism offices, state associations and other entities involved in promoting travel throughout North America. In addition, Pantuso is also president of the National Bus Traffic Association and the American Bus Association Foundation.

The Tour Marketplace show that promotes unique travel opportunities. It will bring together prequalified group travel leaders, tour operators, travel agents and special prepackaged American travel destinations.

The G.A.R.S. event will showcase two 'Great' shows:

1. Niche Group Travel Showcase: August 19, 2007, 1-4 p.m.
This open trade show is for Niche and Affinity buyers including Bank Clubs, Park Districts, Red Hats, Home Based Travel Agents and any other group organization seeking both one-day and overnight travel. Sellers will be at both shows.

2. Tour and Travel Showcase: August 19-21, 2007
For Tour Operators: Adult, Student, Specialty Groups - This GARS event offer a chance to meet with many of America's best destinations and attractions in a one-on-one buyer to seller appointments. New and exciting destinations, events, and attractions are at the forefront of this travel show experience.

The Great American Road Show will be held at the HOLIDAY INN SELECT in TINLEY PARK, Illinois. For complete information and application contact: G.A.R.S. Event at 800-754-7627 or by e-mail at: info @GreatAmericanRoadShow.com